Central State University to implement major energy conservation upgrades

By: Edwina Harris, public relations specialist, Central State University

For Immediate Release

WILBERFORCE, OH- Central State University will implement major energy efficiency and conservation upgrades at a number of buildings on its main campus using $20 million in financing from the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) with a project that was approved at the February OAQDA meeting. The project will help the university meet the 20 percent reduction goals for energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions targeted in House Bill 251. Under the financing package, OAQDA authorized two Air Quality Development Bonds for issuance as Series A federally tax-exempt bonds and Series B Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECB) federal tax credit bonds. OAQDA is the administering authority in Ohio for QECB bond financing.

Central State University selected the Brewer-Garrett Company of Middleburg Heights to implement the project. Energy conservation installations included in the project are interior and exterior lighting, building automation, mechanical upgrades, roof and building envelope improvements and water conservation systems. The project will cut the university’s annual energy consumption by 82,979 MMBtu, or 41 percent, with annual utility savings of $1,018,976. In addition, the annual air quality benefits of the project include reductions of 7,864 tons of carbon dioxide, 34 tons of sulfur dioxide, 13 tons of nitrogen oxides and .27 pounds of mercury. The reductions are the equivalent of removing 1,499 passenger cars from the road or powering the electricity usage of 981 homes.

“Change is ‘central’ at Central State University, and this project certainly embodies that belief. We are excited to be partnering with the Brewer-Garrett Company and OAQDA on this endeavor. This relationship will move us closer to achieving the long-term goals outlined in our university’s ‘six compelling priorities.’ One of those is maintaining efficient and effective operations. This energy conservation initiative will especially support that priority,” said Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, president of Central State University.

State Representative Bob Hackett (R-74) said, “I commend President Jackson-Hammond for her leadership in the important arenas of environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility. This project is just the latest example of the ongoing commitment to excellence that is a hallmark of Central State University.”

Todd Nein, OAQDA interim executive director, said, “We are pleased that OAQDA can further its mission of fostering clean air in Ohio through the QECB program. And helping public institutions cut their energy costs is an added bonus for taxpayers.” Nein added that the QECB financing would enable the university to leverage energy-related capital projects such as roof replacements that it has had to defer because of lack of financial resources. He said the university would also realize savings through reduced or avoided maintenance costs on the new equipment for many years following the project’s implementation.

Central State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Approximately 2,000 students are currently enrolled at the university.

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For more information, please contact Dr. Gayle Colston Barge, director of University public relations at 937-376-6216, or email: gbarge@centralstate.edu